Same-sex couples are being encouraged to adopt or foster children by Bristol City Council.

LGBT people are being reassured they will not be discriminated against in Bristol, with the council holding an event for those interested in adoption or fostercare.

It comes after YouGov poll of 5,000 lesbian, gay and bisexual and transgender people in the country revealed many feared being treated differently.

The poll found 80 per cent of those surveyed expected to face barriers when applying to become foster parents.

Almost half (46 per cent) expect to be treated worse than a heterosexual person by an adoption agency.

But Bristol City Council is hoping to encourage more LGBT adopters and foster carers to come forward at an information event this evening (Wednesday, March 7). It will run from 6pm to 8pm at the Watershed, in Bristol Harbourside.

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The event, which is being held as part of LGBT Adoption and Fostering Week, will give potential parents the opportunity to speak to other LGBT adopters and foster carers and get information on the processes involved.

Councillor Helen Godwin cabinet member for children and young people

Cllr Helen Godwin, cabinet member for children and young people at Bristol City Council, said: “We know from experience that LGBT people often come to adoption and fostering with an open mind and real enthusiasm – it’s often their first choice for growing their family.

“Many children waiting to be adopted or fostered have had a very chaotic start to life, and we’ve seen them thrive with their new LGBT parents.”

Mark and his partner attended last year’s LGBT fostering and adoption event in Bristol and are now foster carers for siblings aged six and eight.

They said: “Being able to talk to others about the process during the event made us even more eager to embrace our journey and now we have the most amazing family unit."

Now in its seventh year, LGBT Adoption and Fostering Week is organised by New Family Social, a charity that supports LGBT adopters and foster carers across the UK.

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The charity’s chief executive Tor Docherty said: “Record numbers of LGBT people now adopt or foster. But YouGov polling shows many believe they’ll be discriminated against by agencies, with eight in 10 lesbian, gay and bisexual people expecting to face barriers if they apply to become foster parents.

“We’re delighted that Bristol City Council is supporting the week and trying to encourage more LGBT people to explore adoption or foster caring.”